The UFC has announced that its first-ever event in Halifax, Nova Scotia — UFC Fight Night 54*, October 4th at the Halifax Metro Centre — will be headlined by top welterweight contender Rory MacDonald against former Strikeforce champion Tarec Saffiedine.

So yeah, a bit of a step down for MacDonald. Then again, part of the UFC’s approach to new international markets involves getting a native fighter to stomp a foreigner, so I guess this booking is as good as any other. (It should be pointed out that MacDonald is originally from British Columbia, way the hell on the other side of Canada.)

We’ll update you when the card fills out and broadcast plans are announced.

* I think it’s #54, but honestly, I’m losing track of the numbers at this point. From now on, we’ll just say “the Halifax one” and you’ll know what I’m talking about.